Photos

Dark brown wooden signs posted along Foothill Expressway point to Historic Loyola Corners. The area may feel old and established, but the corners are not particularly well defined, because the local shops and businesses spread out over several streets that then spill into residential pockets sandwiched between parks and offices, or lined by busy roads such as Fremont and Miramonte avenues.

Before Foothill Expressway was built in 1964, the railroad tracks ran there, and the train stopped in Loyola Corners, serving what local resident Kristen Shadduck said were once "the summer homes for people who lived in San Francisco."

She should know. She spent her first six years on Clinton Road living in an original 1,000-square-foot, ranch-style house. A few years ago, her family of four decided it was time to start over, and built a new two-story, New England traditional home on less than a quarter of an acre.

"I grew up back East, and it feels like my hometown where kids can run down the street, (safely)," she said.

The street dead ends into McKenzie Park, which offers lots of extra space on lawns, play structures, paths and tennis courts.

"It's a great place to be," she said. "We know the whole street," and look forward to spending time with neighbors at traditional events such as the annual Fourth of July picnic.

"My kids walk and ride their bikes to school," Shadduck said, and she herself walks or runs to work on nearby Altos Oaks Drive. The street is filled with doctors' offices, or as she describes it, is a "medical subdivision."

Shadduck has noticed some vacancies in the commercial section, and says there are plans for revitalization. She likes the old standbys such as Tom's Depot, a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch that is decorated with photos of the way things used to be back in the '50s.

Businesses may have changed over the years, but there is still a healthy range of services including a gas station, liquor store, kids' art classes and photo developing.

Ron Labetich and his wife have lived on Manor Way for 36 years. He reminisces about the old Safeway at Loyola Corners, and he liked having a small hardware store on Fremont. But now that he's in his mid-60s, he appreciates the pluses of being able to walk to Rancho Shopping Center, using the parks, and says he feels good knowing that El Camino Hospital is just five minutes away.

Two pillars mark the entrance to his well-manicured street. The name on the pillars, County Club Manor, refers to the 1920s when much of the former Snyder, Hale and Campbell ranches were bought by the Los Altos Country Club.

"We were one of the first young couples to move into the area, and since that time several young couples have moved in with young children," Labetich said.

"We've had a fair amount of turnover," he said, but adds that many of the homes have remained the same, still spanning one story, with maybe the addition of a basement.

He notes at the end of his street four "spec" houses are being built, but in general he said, "everybody knows each other well, and you still have your privacy."


FACTS


FIRE STATION: No. 16, 765 Fremont Ave.

LIBRARY: Los Altos, 13 S. San Antonio Road; Woodland, 1975 Grant Road

PARKS: McKenzie Park, 707 Fremont Ave.; Heritage Oaks Park, Portland and Miramonte avenues

POST OFFICE: Loyola Corners, 1525 Miramonte Ave.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS (NEARBY): Canterbury Christian School, 101 N. El Monte Ave.; Los Altos Christian School, 625 Magdalena Ave.; Pinewood School, 327 & 477 Fremont Ave.; Saint Francis High School, 1885 Miramonte Ave., Mtn. View

PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Los Altos School District — Loyola Elementary School, Blach Intermediate School

Mtn. View-Los Altos Union High School District — Mountain View High School

SHOPPING: Loyola Corners, Rancho Shopping Center

MEDIAN 2008 HOME PRICE: $1,000,000 ($1,688,000 nearby)

HOMES SOLD: 1 (+1 nearby)

— Kate Daly